Stephanie Amato was born and raised on Long Island, NY. Although she chose computer programming as her first career, her passion for drawing and painting prompted her to pursue an education in Visual Art. She entered the Illustration program at Parsons School of Design in New York City and continued her training at Mason Gross School of the Arts and the Art Students League in Manhattan. During her education, Stephanie also obtained a degree as a Graphic Designer. This has given her the knowledge to create work that is strong in both concept and design.

Stephanie Amato, “The Embrace,” charcoal, 30 x 40 in.

Stephanie later moved to New Jersey, where she established a graphic design business, as well as advanced her career as a fine artist. She has participated in many local and national exhibitions, receiving top awards and recognition for her work. She is a Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society, Signature Member of the Pastel Society of New Jersey, Resident Member of the NYC Salmagundi Club, Member of the Oil Painters of America, Portrait Society of Atlanta, and the former President (2009-2012) of The New Jersey Society of Plein Air Painters.

“I work in the alla prima style painting impressionistic landscapes, floral, and figurative compositions in oils, pastels, and charcoal. My reaction to the scene is what creates the energy and movement I express in the piece. Working from a live model, I start with a conscious effort to draw as accurate a figure as possible … At some point I will move into a more creative process, pushing the shadows to create drama and movement.”